Rich pickings for Els and Godwin
15/07/2016
Two recent winners added to their tally yet again, when Nico Els (Professional Golf Tuition Breaks) and Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst) both shot rounds of two-under-par 68 to share the honours in The Richmond Pro-Am.
The two winners took home cheques for £700 each and lots more confidence in their respective games.
Els is on something of a roll with three wins in three weeks, his last being just four days ago at Cuddington where he finished three shots ahead of a strong field.
At The Richmond, starting on his opening hole, the fourth, he got to three-under-par after the 17th to top the leaderboard. Things were looking good until Els dropped a vital shot at his last hole, the third, to finish on 68.
Godwin’s day started on time, but heavy traffic due to an accident left him making it to his starting tee, the 12th, by minutes with no preparation at all, so opening bogey par bogey was hardly surprising.
But things soon got back on an even keel, and birdies at the fourth and fifth put him back on level.
With two holes left to make his mark, Godwin birdied the 10th and at the next hole, thanks to the VPAR live scoring system now in use at PGA South events, Godwin could see what he had to do at the par five 11th.
Despite two terrific shots to the green his eagle putt to win outright just grazed the cup, putting him in a tie with Els.
On a day when the weather was ideal, the course condition excellent and the greens firm and fast, both men were delighted with their results.
Els said: “I’m really pleased with the way I’m swinging at the moment. But having done nearly all the hard work over seventeen holes, while my last hole was disappointing, a win is a win – even if it’s a tie!”
Godwin was equally chuffed, adding: “Things could have been much worse, as the traffic was so bad I’d already called Ian to warn him I might not make it. But despite that and no warm up whatsoever, things still worked out.
“My course management and staying patient were key, and I made the most of the opportunities as they arose, but I can’t help thinking about how close that eagle putt was on the last green to dropping, and winning outright!”
Godwin’s got a busy few weeks ahead of him on the PGA EuroPro Tour, but as he said, “Winning has given me the confidence and momentum I need to have a real crack at the next few events.”
